Source · Select Committees · Women and Equalities Committee
Recommendation 13
13
Deferred
Establish a new framework for promoting older people's rights in England by year-end, evaluating Welsh model.
Recommendation
We recommend the Government examine the experience in Wales, with a view to replicating a similar framework across England. It should conduct an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Commissioner for Older People 50 role in Wales and its comprehensive network of Older People’s Champions delivering a national strategy across local authorities. The evaluation should consider the duties, powers, and resources a Commissioner for Older People in England would need. It should consider whether a single Commissioner for England or a network of regional Commissioners would be more effective in a nation of England’s size. Likewise, the tier of local government at which Older People’s Champions are most likely to be effective should be considered in the context of the Government’s plans for devolution and local authority reform in England. The Government should consider the role of the Equality and Human Rights Commission within a new framework for older people’s rights, including the case for formal memoranda of understanding between the Commission and any new Commissioner/s to ensure the division of duties and responsibilities is clear. Careful consideration and consultation should take precedence over speed but we expect progress to be made on establishing a new and effective framework for promoting and protecting older people’s rights by the end of the year. (Recommendation, Paragraph 110) 51
Government Response Summary
The government commits to considering the experience and effectiveness of the Commissioner for Older People in Wales, stating this will inform future thinking on potential action in England, but does not commit to establishing a framework by year-end.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
The Government believes that the Equality Act 2010 already provides a strong framework for protecting older people from discrimination in a variety of settings and indeed actively promotes positive initiatives, for example by allowing services and opportunities to be offered at discounted prices for those of pension age. We will however consider the experience and effectiveness of the Commissioner for Older people in Wales, including any evaluation, lessons learned or other evidence of impact and effectiveness. This will inform thinking in due course on any further action that might be taken in England, including the possible use of Older People’s Champions at local or regional levels. Where appropriate, the Government will liaise with the Equality and Human Rights Commission to ensure that any plans are complementary to its role, working towards shared and realistic objectives.